Corrosion and Protection
The mechanisms behind metallic corrosion, the electrochemical principles that drive galvanic attack, and practical strategies for protecting metal components.
Types of Corrosion in Metals
Corrosion takes many forms beyond simple rusting. Identifying the correct corrosion mechanism is essential before specifying a material change, coating, or cathodic protection system.
Galvanic Corrosion: The Electrochemical Series
Galvanic corrosion is one of the most common and preventable forms of metal degradation. Understanding the galvanic series and the factors that control attack severity is the first step toward designing it out of a system.
Protective Coatings and Surface Treatments for Metals
When material selection alone cannot provide adequate corrosion resistance, coatings and surface treatments extend the service life of metallic components. This guide covers the major coating systems and when to use them.